In 1984, Dr. Oladapo Ashiru and his team successfully delivered the first baby via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Nigeria. This was six years after the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the first baby in the world conceived via IVF. Over six million babies has been conceived using IVF. It is often looked upon as a last resort, when other forms of ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques), has failed.

WHAT IS IN VITRO FERTILIZATION?

In Vitro Fertilization or IVF as it is more commonly referred to is a form of assisted reproductive technique. IVF helps with fertilization, embryo development and implantation. In IVF, fertilization takes place outside the body. The ovum (egg) is extracted from the female. A sperm sample is retrieved from the male also. The egg and the sperm sample is then manually combined in a laboratory. Once fertilization takes place and the embryo has developed to a certain stage, the embryo is the transferred to the uterus and in most cases normal development takes place and the female gives birth to a perfectly healthy baby.

IVF may be considered if either partners have been diagnosed with;

This is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places in the body outside the womb

Low sperm count

Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs

Inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus

Poor egg quality

An unexplained fertility problem etc.

In Nigeria tubal factors and low sperm count are the leading causes of infertility. One in four Nigerian couples experience infertility.

In earlier times children conceived through the IVF procedure were often referred to as “test tube babies”. One of the myths was that babies born via this procedure were often not “normal”. This is completely false.

IVF Success Rate

While the success rate with IVF is a little below 50%, this reduces as the female ages, the babies delivered are healthy and normal. To increase the chances of pregnancy, Doctors transfer 3-10 eggs back into the uterus depending on the age of the female, quality of the eggs etc. Advances in technology has greatly improved the chances of IVF procedures making it safer and an option for couples finding it difficult to conceive.

Consult us at EL RAPHA HOSPITALS AND DIAGNOSTICS which is on of the best fertility hospital in Nigeria today as we have a medical team of professionals that will offer guidance, support and professionalism should you opt for an IVF procedure.

Stroke is a sudden interruption in blood supply to the brain. This simply means that, for some reasons, blood suddenly stops flowing into the brain as it should, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrient. This could be caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries that channels blood to the brain or bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts.

When this happens, the brain cells start to die within minutes. A stroke is therefore, a medical emergency, which requires prompt treatment in other to minimize brain damage and potential complications. If you suspect someone around you is having a stroke, here is how to confirm.

*Tell the person to smile .If the face droops to one side, it is most likely a stroke.

*Try to raise both arms; if one arm drifts downwards or is unable to raise one arm, call for emergency.

*Dialogue with the person. If you notice a slur in the speech, a stroke might be on its way.

*Hold up fingers and ask the patient to count. Blurred vision, doubled vision or blackened vision are signs of stroke.

*Try to make the person work a short distance. Sudden dizziness, loss of balance and loss of coordination depicts a stroke attack.

If you observe any of the above signs, please call for emergency immediately. Engage the person in a calm and reassuring conversation to keep the brain cells active and the patient conscious. Make sure they are breathing properly and keep them warm. Do not give them anything to eat or drink and observe conditions to report to medical personnel when they arrive.

Stroke is avoidable, as well as many other conditions that could lead to medical emergencies. Finally, to prevent stroke, eat healthy, exercise daily, monitor your blood pressure and sugar level, and avoid excessive smoking and drinking. El-Rapha hospital and Diagnostics cares about you and your health. Book for and appointment to see a doctor today, take preventive measures and avoid Stroke.

Are you having problems getting pregnant? Then you may wonder if in vitro fertilization (IVF) is right for you in one of the best hospital in Nigeria. Many women find pregnancy success after trying IVF. If you are ready to learn more, check out the four primary steps you can expect during the in vitro fertilization process.

Step 1: Ovulation InductionBefore and during the in vitro fertilization process, your fertility specialist will monitor your ovaries and the timing of the egg release. The doctor will make sure that your ovaries are producing eggs, and that your hormone levels are normal, among other procedures.

Most women take fertility medicines or hormones at this time to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs. Having several eggs available for IVF will increase the chances that you will get pregnant.

If you cannot produce any eggs, talk to your doctor about donor eggs for the IVF process.

Step 2: Egg RetrievalDuring this step in the IVF process, pain medication is given to reduce any discomfort. Then a very thin needle is passed through the upper vaginal wall. With the use of vaginal ultrasound, fluid is removed from the follicles under gentle suction.

Immediately after aspiration of the follicle, the oocyte (egg) is isolated from the follicular fluid. The egg is placed in a culture dish containing nutrient media and then transferred to the incubator.

Step 3: FertilizationThe next step of the IVF process is the fertilization of the egg. A sperm sample is secured, either from your partner or a donor, and the most active sperm is mixed with the egg in a special chamber. Sometimes the sperm is directly injected into the egg. Then, the sperm and egg are placed in an incubator and monitored to make sure that a healthy embryo develops.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer and ImplantationThe final step of the IVF process is the embryo transfer. First, the embryos are examined to select the healthiest ones for transfer. To transfer the embryo(s), a speculum is placed into your vagina and the embryo(s) are transferred via a small plastic tube placed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. After the IVF process is complete, bed rest is often advised for around 24 hours.

Our Services

El-Rapha Hospital is a place dedicated to transforming the patient and family experience through innovative and collaborative approaches to care, knowledge and leadership.

We offer an integrated range of healthcare services from out-patient treatment and diagnostics to advanced clinical care which also extends to personalized home-care services.

About El-Rapha

El-Rapha Hospital is a place dedicated to transforming the patient and family experience through innovative and collaborative approaches to care, knowledge and leadership. We offer an integrated range of healthcare services from out-patient treatment and diagnostics to advanced clinical care which also extends to personalized home-care services.